Alexander Isak marked his latest Liverpool appearance with a double as the Reds cruised past newly promoted Ipswich Town 2-0 at Portman Road.
The Sweden international struck twice inside the opening nine minutes to settle the contest early and give Andoni Iraola his first Premier League victory and clean sheet as Liverpool manager.
Isak, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle United for a British-record £125m fee 12 months ago, produced one of his most influential performances for the club as Liverpool finally secured their first league win of the campaign.
The victory also lifted Liverpool to fifth in the early Premier League table, while Ipswich slipped to 13th.
Isak strikes twice in nine minutes
Liverpool had struggled to take the lead in their opening matches against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle, but they needed only six minutes to break through in Suffolk.
Cody Gakpo released Isak with an incisive pass, and the striker fired beyond Kjell Scherpen at his near post to put the visitors ahead.
Isak doubled the advantage just three minutes later after combining with Gakpo again.
It was the third time this season that Gakpo had provided an assist for Isak in the Premier League, underlining the growing understanding between the pair.
Ipswich had an opportunity to get back into the game shortly before the half-hour mark, but Ronald Araujo produced an important intervention on his full Liverpool debut to prevent Daizen Maeda from converting at the back post.
Isak appeared to complete his hat-trick before the break when he turned in Florian Wirtz’s low cross, only for the assistant referee to raise the flag for offside.
Ipswich fail to respond after the break
Ipswich continued to look for a route back into the contest after half-time, but Liverpool’s defence remained largely comfortable.
Despite making a significant investment in their squad during the transfer window, the hosts struggled to turn possession and attacking pressure into clear chances.
Liverpool were able to manage the game without serious danger as Iraola’s side secured a much-needed three points.
There was also a late opportunity for supporters to see one of Liverpool’s major summer additions, with Bradley Barcola introduced during the final 25 minutes.
The France international joined from Paris St-Germain in a deal worth up to £123m on Monday and was given his first taste of Premier League football.
